The Book of Werewolves (Dover Books on Anthropology and Folklore)
By Sabine Baring-Gould

1865. Baring-Gould states that upon finding the superstition of werewolves so prevalent he decided to investigate the fascinating history and habits of these mythical creatures. Contents: Lycanthropy among the Ancients; The Werewolf in the North; Origin of the Scandinavian Werewolf; Werewolf in the Middle Ages; A Chapter of Horrors; Jean Grenier; Fork Lore Relating to Werewolves; Natural Causes of Lycanthropy; Mythological Origin of the Werewolf Myth; The Marechal De Rezt; A Galician Werewolf; Anomalous Case, The Human Hyaena; A Sermon of Werewolves.

With the shocking histories of 10 famous cases, this classic blends science, superstition, and fiction to tell the full story of the werewolves among us. The first serious academic study of lycanthropy and "blood-lust" written in English, this book draws upon a vast body of observation, myth, and lore.

Long in the tooth, but still has bite!

Arguably the first definitive study of the topic, penned by the eccentric clergyman best known for writing the hymn 'Onward Christian Soldiers', this 1865 volume still beats most of the modern competition paws down. Its age means some will find it a tough read, but for others that will just enhance its charms. 'The Book of Werewolves' is still impressive scholarship today, and it was this volume that first made the careers of real-life monsters Gilles de Rais and Countess Bathory familiar to English readers (though somewhat toned down for its original Victorian audience). If you're serious about your lycanthropes, then this belongs on your shelf right beside Charlotte Otten's recent 'Lycanthropy Reader'.